Because accidents with a tractor-trailer can be complex and involve more than one at-fault party, getting help from a truck accident injury lawyer is necessary to get deserved compensation. Call the Roeser Law Firm for a free consultation about your case.
Washington, D.C. Dangers of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
In tractor-trailer accidents, passenger vehicle drivers and other occupants often suffer more severe trauma than the trucker. A truck crash differs greatly from a motor vehicle accident. There are, however, some big differences mainly due to the big rig’s size and weight, as well as handling, braking and visibility for the driver. When you’ve been injured by a negligent trucker, you can benefit from talking to a truck accident lawyer in Washington, D.C.
In comparison, the average passenger car weighs approximately 4,000 pounds, while a big rig weighs up to 40 tons and is much larger. Extra weight and size significantly impact the outcome of the crash. Truck drivers are often uninjured in accidents, whereas automobile drivers may suffer serious trauma or become permanently disabled.
Accidents Involving Tractor-Trailers Are Different From Those Involving Cars
When a big rig is traveling at 60 mph, it takes approximately 370 feet to stop it. In addition, big rigs are also at risk for the following types of truck accidents:
- No-zone accidents: There are large blind spots all around big rigs often called no-zones. Due to this problem, a trucker will be unable to see a passenger vehicle if it is too close. The trucker cannot see behind the trailer for about 30 feet and is blind to traffic in front of the rig for around 20 feet. Approximately 75 percent of the trailer’s length is covered by the blind spot in the left lane. Two to three lanes can be covered by the driver’s blind spot on the right.
- Big rig rollovers: A tractor-trailer can experience a rollover for a number of reasons. Driving around a curve too fast, inexperience or weather conditions can lead to a big rig rollover. Whenever a big rig trailer is overloaded or the cargo is unevenly distributed, it can roll over, resulting in smaller vehicles becoming involved in the accident.
- Braking problems: A tractor-trailer uses a compression brake system. The problem with this system is the lag time. Because the compressed air has to work its way to the linings to affect the brake drum, this means there is a small lag between the time the trucker hits the brakes and the vehicle actually slows. Braking accidents are one of the most common reasons for a big rig collision. Lack of maintenance can cause an accident. In addition, some truckers use the trailer brakes instead of those in the cab portion because of the high cost of replacement.
- Underride/override collisions: Semi-truck collisions caused by override or underride occur when the truck passes over the vehicle or a car slides underneath the big rig. No matter which way this type of accident occurs, they are often fatal or result in traumatic injuries to those in the smaller vehicle.
- Jackknifing occurs when the trailer is moving faster than the tractor it is being pulled by and swings around to the side. It isn’t unusual for smaller vehicles to become involved in an accident caused by the big rig when this happens.
Roeser Law Firm – Truck Accident Lawyer in Washington, D.C.
Because accidents with a tractor-trailer can be complex and involve more than one at-fault party, getting help from a truck accident injury lawyer is necessary to get deserved compensation. Call the Roeser Law Firm for a free consultation about your case at (202) 660-4070. We can also be contacted online.
